Best trails in Elk Island National Park

This trail begins at the Tawayik Lake picnic site and loops around the three northern lakes: Shirley Lake, Paul Lake, and Oster Lake. It can be hiked either by heading north on the Simmons Trail or cutting across to Oster Lake first. There is a wide variety of vegetation and fantastic views around the lakes and meadows, including rolling hills, knob and kettle terrain, and opportunities to see bison, waterfowl and beaver. Birch and aspen forests, open meadows, and marshes make this an...

This loop combines the moderate length and longer length Moss Lake Trails, adventuring to several of Elk Island National Park's best lakes. It is mainly forested and flat with mild inclines, but the loop is very scenic. It's easy to navigate and is very quiet thanks to the backcountry, so this is an excellent option for beginner hikers. Sections can be muddy and wet depending on the season. Occasionally, flooded parts of the trail can be easily bypassed. Winter-season snowshoeing and...

Overall, this is an easy leisurely trail for anyone, especially those camping nearby. The first third of this route is paved, then when you cross the gate, the trail becomes more of a nature hike in forest and bog. It's a great hike along the shoreline and the forest, where you'll see ponds and beaver dams. Wildflowers are all over in spring and summer, and the autumn foliage is spectacular. It's great for spotting birds, waterfowl, elk, moose, and even bison frequent the trail.

This abbreviated option of Moss Lake Trail is similar to other trails in Elk Island National Park. It is mainly forested and flat with some mild incline but very scenic. It's easy to navigate and quiet, making this an excellent option for beginner hikers. Sections can be muddy and wet depending on the season. Occasionally, flooded parts of the trail can be easily bypassed.

This is an excellent and easy trail with occasional inclines to add variety. The best views are in the first kilometre of the trail and even in winter the views are stunning. It's not a long trail, but it still provides benches for breaks. You may even be able to spot beaver activity here, hence the name. Keep an eye out for trees that have been snacks for the beavers, too. Overall, it is a fun loop to walk, especially with a nice breeze to keep the bugs down.

This is an excellent and short hike that weaves in and out of aspen and spruce forest and over boardwalks along wetlands. There is ample opportunity for bird-watching and beaver sightings. It's an excellent beginner-level trail that is kept in good shape. Just keep an eye on the large tree roots that cover the forest floor.

This trail begins at the Tawayik Lake picnic site and can be hiked in either direction, circling Tawayik Lake and the surrounding meadows. Rolling hills break into a vast plain between two lakes with picturesque views in the middle. Bison are undoubtedly to be seen roaming the area. Dogs are not permitted on most of this loop since sensitive habitats exist. The plains yield to shallow valleys and back to rolling hills. Overall the terrain is not too challenging, with the bridges and walkways...

The Hayburger Trail is named for a family that homesteaded in the park up until the 1930s. The trail crosses a black spruce bog where boreal birds and moose may be observed. The trail also winds through open aspen forests and meadows, the preferred habitat of the plains bison. Remain on the trail, as there are hidden areas of quicksand in some of the large meadows. The minimal elevation gain on this trail makes for a gentle hike. The loop portion starts after 1.45 km. Be careful not to...

This trail is a pleasant stroll through a forest, with occasional glimpses of lakes. It's great for bird watching and viewing other types of wildlife, such as bison, elk, and deer. If going in summer, bring lots of bug spray and sun tan lotion, as open areas can get quite hot. This is not an easy trail, as Parks Canada calls it a black diamond. The forest system here is left to be more natural than in other areas, thanks to the famous Bison that you will see here. Hiking in groups is...

This wide, paved, level trail is always quiet and pretty in any season, significantly when leaves change colours. The little detour to Elk Island is the most excellent part of the trail. It is a well-travelled trail and on-leash dog-friendly. A little bit of elevation, but not much. Very scenic, folks who have completed the trail would recommend it for a first-time hiker or cyclist looking to escape from the campgrounds. Accessibility: It is unclear if there are any designated accessible...